The Project

Our customer had invested in a PV Array System, to allow connection of PV Array, the existing Main LV Distribution Board required a power shutdown. Our Engineers were approached to give advice on switching/isolation of the existing ACB. The existing GEC MPact, TP, withdrawable, 1600A ACB was obsolete, not serviced, and unsuitable for switching, leaving the customer no way of isolating their Main LV Distribution Board.

We recommended a retro-fit solution to replace the ACB with a new Schneider MTZ1-08 ACB.

We out a non-intrusive survey to ascertain technical requirements of retro fitting new ACB into the existing ACB space. As the power supply was critical to other end users, the power outage had to be kept to a minimum (max 48 hours) shutting down on a Friday evening, carrying out retrofit, energizing power Sunday evening.

The Solution

• All materials purchased and stocked prior to agreed power shutdown.
• Power shut down: Friday evening, existing ACB opened and racked out, moving portion taken to LOS workshop to be stripped and retro-fitted with new withdrawable Schneider MTZ1-08 ACB.
• Advantage of above retrofit into existing moving portion are time saving/no switchboard modification required.
• IR/Dielectric test carried out before returning new ACB to site.
• ACB returned to site, racked into existing chassis, an insulation test carried out on switchboard bus bars, new ACB closed, all power supplies restored leaving 6 hours spare.

Expertise
• Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) Replacement & Management
• LV Switchboard Electrical Works
• Component retrofit solutions